US Missionary Regains Freedom
An American missionary has regained freedom after spending nine months in captivity in Niger, bringing an end to a prolonged ordeal that had drawn concern over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
Kevin Rideout, the missionary who was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, in October 2025, was confirmed free on Friday after more than nine months in captivity. His organisation, SIM International, said he was in good health and in the care of United States officials.
Rideout was reportedly taken away by three armed men and moved to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area that has witnessed persistent militant activity.
The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear, and authorities have not publicly confirmed who was responsible for holding him. Reports had earlier raised concerns that militant groups operating in the region could have been involved.
The American had spent 19 years working in Niger as a Christian missionary and also served as a pilot for SIM International, an organisation with operations in more than 70 countries.
His release has brought relief to his family and colleagues after months of uncertainty over his safety. SIM International said Rideout would soon reunite with his wife, children and other family members, while the family requested privacy as they recover from the long separation.
The case once again highlights the security challenges facing Niger and other countries in the Sahel, where armed groups have continued to carry out attacks and kidnappings.
For Rideout, however, the long period of uncertainty has finally come to an end, with his freedom marking a major relief for his family, colleagues and supporters who had followed his ordeal since his abduction.